On Sunday, September 14 we headed south towards Beaumont, Texas. Our destination would be Ford Park. Ford Park is a huge complex that housed a convention center, fairgrounds, an outdoor theater, and a number of athletic fields. The entire complex was leased by FEMA and the US Forestry Service and would be the base of operations and staging area for the Federal response to Hurricane Ike.
Our team was one of the first groups to arrive. The power to Ford Park had not yet been restored and wind and water damage was visible. Generators powered parts of the facility and we were offered the floor in the lobby area as our accommodations for the evening. The 'hum' of a nearby generator lulled us to sleep as the emergency litters that we used as beds were a little less than comfortable.
We arose early the next morning to find that the Salvation Army Mobile kitchens had arrived and would be our food providers while there. My respect and appreciation for the Salvation Army soared. They were there before any other agency and the attitudes of those cooking and serving the food were inviting and most willing to serve all who stood in the long lines to get a meal.
There was more waiting as our command team assessed the needs in the general area and made missional decisions. One day passed and we learned that another night at Ford Park would be on our agenda. The activity at the staging area was beginning to increase. Hundreds of 18-wheelers began to arrive carrying supplies that would soon bring relief to the people who now fit into the category of 'homeless.' A variety of medical, security, and military units flowed into the staging area throughout the day.
Our accommodations were upgraded for our second night. We were allowed to sleep in the Exhibition Hall. Still sleeping on medical litters, we did have the opportunity to shower in some locker rooms tucked beneath the indoor arena. Because there were thousands of people at the staging area and the showers could never accommodate everyone, we were secretly led into the catacombs to enjoy our first shower in three days.
We were informed shortly after noon on our second day that we would be moving to Houston, Texas. More specifically, our mission would be to set up a hospital on the campus of Rice University. Houston had welcomed thousands of evacuees from the more southern areas of Texas and the local hospitals were experiencing tremendous overloads of people coming into their Emergency Departments. Our presence would alleviate some of the patient loads at the hospitals. Ambulances would deliver those needing medical care to our facility. Other ambulances were standing by at our location to transport the patients who needed more extensive care to local hospitals for admittance.
In my next installment I'll share some experiences while serving those who visited our clinic.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
From Dallas to Palistine to Beaumont to...
Following two weeks of touring the Southeastern United States, I finally made it home. Because we did not have internet access, I am now sorting through my scribbled notes so to share with you our mission.
Hurricane Ike made landfall in Galveston, Texas at 1:30am on September 13. We departed Dallas, Texas on Saturday headed toward Beaumont, Tx. Shortly after our departure we were rerouted to Lufkin , Tx. as Hurricane Ike was making his way through Beaumont at that time. The travel coach (bus) in which we were riding was being tossed to and fro by the outer bands of Ike. We stopped at a wide place in the road, a place that we would come to know as Palistine, Tx. a place of rest and hospitality.
Because the weather was not conducive to traveling, our logistics man found us a shelter in which we could spend the night. The shelter was closing because no one had come there seeking shelter from the storm. Had local residents known what we discovered upon our arrival there, they would have gone just for the experience of local hospitality. The shelter was housed in Trinity Church. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a pot of homemade vegetable soup and a group of folks with hearts as big as Texas itself. We realized quite quickly that God does 'rescue the perishing' and shelters His people from the storms. (Next time you are in Palestine, Texas, be sure to stop by and speak to Pastor David Haines and tell him that I recommend the vegetable soup.)
After a night of camping in their worship center, we were awakened to the aroma of bacon, eggs, oatmeal and freshly brewed coffee. We enjoyed the meal and anxiously awaited 'the call' that would send us on our way to employ our trade of caring for others. We held a communion service for those team members who chose to participate and waited. Did I mention that we waited some more. By this time, Trinity Church was warming up for their weekly worship service. Since we were not busy, and had no place to go as of yet and we were......waiting, a dozen of us attended worship at Trinity. How ironic that this band of Christians in East Texas fed our bodies and our souls too.
After church, we participated in our daily ritual of eating. The only thing that was set in stone each day was that we would eat at least three times. Following lunch we realized that it had been a couple of days since we had showered. A local school was gracious to open up their locker room for those wishing to freshen up a bit. Again, Trinity Church met our needs by providing towels and other personal care items.
Finally, the call came for us to move out. After a detour to an Oasis in East Texas, we were headed to Beaumont, Texas which was getting us nearer to the destruction that Ike left for us.
Stay tuned for our adventures at Ford Park, the staging area for all resources that would bring aid to the victims of Hurricane Ike.
Hurricane Ike made landfall in Galveston, Texas at 1:30am on September 13. We departed Dallas, Texas on Saturday headed toward Beaumont, Tx. Shortly after our departure we were rerouted to Lufkin , Tx. as Hurricane Ike was making his way through Beaumont at that time. The travel coach (bus) in which we were riding was being tossed to and fro by the outer bands of Ike. We stopped at a wide place in the road, a place that we would come to know as Palistine, Tx. a place of rest and hospitality.
Because the weather was not conducive to traveling, our logistics man found us a shelter in which we could spend the night. The shelter was closing because no one had come there seeking shelter from the storm. Had local residents known what we discovered upon our arrival there, they would have gone just for the experience of local hospitality. The shelter was housed in Trinity Church. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a pot of homemade vegetable soup and a group of folks with hearts as big as Texas itself. We realized quite quickly that God does 'rescue the perishing' and shelters His people from the storms. (Next time you are in Palestine, Texas, be sure to stop by and speak to Pastor David Haines and tell him that I recommend the vegetable soup.)
After a night of camping in their worship center, we were awakened to the aroma of bacon, eggs, oatmeal and freshly brewed coffee. We enjoyed the meal and anxiously awaited 'the call' that would send us on our way to employ our trade of caring for others. We held a communion service for those team members who chose to participate and waited. Did I mention that we waited some more. By this time, Trinity Church was warming up for their weekly worship service. Since we were not busy, and had no place to go as of yet and we were......waiting, a dozen of us attended worship at Trinity. How ironic that this band of Christians in East Texas fed our bodies and our souls too.
After church, we participated in our daily ritual of eating. The only thing that was set in stone each day was that we would eat at least three times. Following lunch we realized that it had been a couple of days since we had showered. A local school was gracious to open up their locker room for those wishing to freshen up a bit. Again, Trinity Church met our needs by providing towels and other personal care items.
Finally, the call came for us to move out. After a detour to an Oasis in East Texas, we were headed to Beaumont, Texas which was getting us nearer to the destruction that Ike left for us.
Stay tuned for our adventures at Ford Park, the staging area for all resources that would bring aid to the victims of Hurricane Ike.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Howdy From Dallas Texas
Hello from Dallas, Texas!
On Tuesday we were moved here via a charter plane. Nearly 200 personnel made the trip. In addition to NDMS team members, there was also a large contingent of Public Health Service personnel.
Time takes on a different meaning when moving large numbers of people. One cannot assume that schedules will be dept by the establishment. The motto, "Hurry up and wait" accurately describes daily life when among the 'herd.' Overall, the organization and implementation of the mass movement of people has worked rather smoothly.
Wednesday was spent getting acclimated to the area and attending our daily update meetings. I have spent a considerable amount of time watching the weather channel, with a greater interest than ever. While we are certain hurricane Ike will make landfall, the exact time and location has not yet been determined. As the hours pass, the predictions become more accurate. At least we hope that is the case. While we await Ike, we're also awaiting orders for our next destination and mission.
Most everyone here is dealing with opposing inner thoughts. Everyone has come here to offer assistance and make use of the training and at the same time there resides some hope that the storm will somehow disappear and everyone will live happily ever after. Excitement, guilt, disappointment, fear, and bravado are all possibilities.
Thursday brought more watching, waiting, and listening. Our daily team meeting and updates were not revealing. A chaplain from Connecticut. and i led a memorial service in remembrance of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. While a somber spirit prevailed there was also a grateful spirit among the men and women who will carry the torch of serving the public through emergency services.
The storm continues to move toward the Texas coast, it's landing spot and possible damage uncertain, yet amid all of the uncertainties, this one thing is sure: thousands of men and women stand ready to respond and offer care to any who have need.
As for me, I consider it an honor and privilege to be among a great group of professionals who have a heart for serving others as big as Texas.
On Tuesday we were moved here via a charter plane. Nearly 200 personnel made the trip. In addition to NDMS team members, there was also a large contingent of Public Health Service personnel.
Time takes on a different meaning when moving large numbers of people. One cannot assume that schedules will be dept by the establishment. The motto, "Hurry up and wait" accurately describes daily life when among the 'herd.' Overall, the organization and implementation of the mass movement of people has worked rather smoothly.
Wednesday was spent getting acclimated to the area and attending our daily update meetings. I have spent a considerable amount of time watching the weather channel, with a greater interest than ever. While we are certain hurricane Ike will make landfall, the exact time and location has not yet been determined. As the hours pass, the predictions become more accurate. At least we hope that is the case. While we await Ike, we're also awaiting orders for our next destination and mission.
Most everyone here is dealing with opposing inner thoughts. Everyone has come here to offer assistance and make use of the training and at the same time there resides some hope that the storm will somehow disappear and everyone will live happily ever after. Excitement, guilt, disappointment, fear, and bravado are all possibilities.
Thursday brought more watching, waiting, and listening. Our daily team meeting and updates were not revealing. A chaplain from Connecticut. and i led a memorial service in remembrance of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. While a somber spirit prevailed there was also a grateful spirit among the men and women who will carry the torch of serving the public through emergency services.
The storm continues to move toward the Texas coast, it's landing spot and possible damage uncertain, yet amid all of the uncertainties, this one thing is sure: thousands of men and women stand ready to respond and offer care to any who have need.
As for me, I consider it an honor and privilege to be among a great group of professionals who have a heart for serving others as big as Texas.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Still Waiting on Ike
Our Team continues to stand-by for orders in response to Ike's arrival. As you may recall, Ike was a handful when married to Tina. Sorry, but that just came to mind.
As we wait, we have done some training as a team and have gotten to know one another as we share meals and time together. In addition to our North Carolina team, we have been joined by medical team members from Nevada, Florida, Iowa and Ohio. It's a pretty cool deal as everyone here has the same passion for serving others in a time of hurt and crisis. This is a national response and I'm glad to know that our government has all of these resources in place.
I have discovered opportunities to minister people in a variety of ways. I am convinced that even if we never get into the middle of a great disaster, God has allowed me to do what I do best: take care of people.
We have a team meeting each day and learn about the current situation regarding the storm and any possible movements of teams that may involve us. While we are prepared to render aid, have all the equipment and skills necessary to do so, and wise people making plans; Ike is still in control of our next moves.
Presently, we are waiting to see if Ike plays with the Keys. If there is any damage there, a couple of strike teams (5 person teams consisting of Dr. Nurse, Medics) will be sent in via helicopter to do an assessment. If needs are discovered, our team will likely be flown in via military aircraft to set up a field hospital. Because Texas is in another Region, it is not likely we will respond that far west. However, nothing is discounted until the damage is assessed.
If you feel confused by all of this, then you get a taste of our daily questions to determine where we will go next and what we will do. As I mentioned earlier, Ike is in control. Overall, this is an awesome operation involving thousands of dedicated, well trained professionals who have a heart for helping others in a time of crisis.
Stay tuned.
As we wait, we have done some training as a team and have gotten to know one another as we share meals and time together. In addition to our North Carolina team, we have been joined by medical team members from Nevada, Florida, Iowa and Ohio. It's a pretty cool deal as everyone here has the same passion for serving others in a time of hurt and crisis. This is a national response and I'm glad to know that our government has all of these resources in place.
I have discovered opportunities to minister people in a variety of ways. I am convinced that even if we never get into the middle of a great disaster, God has allowed me to do what I do best: take care of people.
We have a team meeting each day and learn about the current situation regarding the storm and any possible movements of teams that may involve us. While we are prepared to render aid, have all the equipment and skills necessary to do so, and wise people making plans; Ike is still in control of our next moves.
Presently, we are waiting to see if Ike plays with the Keys. If there is any damage there, a couple of strike teams (5 person teams consisting of Dr. Nurse, Medics) will be sent in via helicopter to do an assessment. If needs are discovered, our team will likely be flown in via military aircraft to set up a field hospital. Because Texas is in another Region, it is not likely we will respond that far west. However, nothing is discounted until the damage is assessed.
If you feel confused by all of this, then you get a taste of our daily questions to determine where we will go next and what we will do. As I mentioned earlier, Ike is in control. Overall, this is an awesome operation involving thousands of dedicated, well trained professionals who have a heart for helping others in a time of crisis.
Stay tuned.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Chasing Hurricanes
Waiting on Ike
Our team, NC-1, is comprised of a host of medical professionals, logistical folks, and a chaplain. Our mission is to go into damaged areas and set up a field hospital to provide care for the residents. Team members have day jobs and have a passion for using their skills to help others when natural disasters strike. Because of the pending threat, teams from other states are also staging here waiting for the storm.
On Sunday, I led a worship service in the hotel conference room. This was a great experience. It was a diverse group of Jesus-followers who came from several states across the US. We had a time of sharing, praying and we celebrated the Lord's Supper. I'm grateful to all those who shared their gifts of music, words and presence.
We're waiting. That's what we do, until we have an opportunity to serve.
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